Luke Chapter 6 · Verse 43
For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Original Language Analysis
γάρ
For
G1063
γάρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐστιν
bringeth
G2076
ἐστιν
bringeth
Strong's:
G2076
Word #:
3 of 14
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
καλόν
a good
G2570
καλόν
a good
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
ποιοῦν
bring forth
G4160
ποιοῦν
bring forth
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
6 of 14
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ποιοῦν
bring forth
G4160
ποιοῦν
bring forth
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
12 of 14
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Cross References
Jeremiah 2:21Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?Matthew 12:33Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.Matthew 3:10And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.Isaiah 61:3To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.Isaiah 5:4What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?
Historical Context
Palestinian agriculture was familiar with olive trees, fig trees, and grapevines—everyone understood that trees produce fruit according to their nature. Jesus used this common knowledge to teach spiritual truth. First-century Judaism emphasized external conformity to law, but Jesus exposed the heart—good trees (regenerate hearts) produce good fruit (righteous living); corrupt trees (unregenerate hearts) produce corrupt fruit (sin). This teaching would resonate in Paul's contrast between flesh and Spirit (Galatians 5:16-25) and John's emphasis that children of God don't continue in sin (1 John 3:9).
Questions for Reflection
- What fruit is your life producing, and what does that reveal about the condition of your heart (the tree)?
- How does Jesus' teaching about trees and fruit challenge external religiosity that focuses on appearance rather than heart transformation?
Analysis & Commentary
For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit—the principle is inexorable: kalon dendron (καλὸν δένδρον, good/beautiful tree) produces good fruit; sapron dendron (σαπρὸν δένδρον, rotten/corrupt tree) produces bad fruit. The adjective sapros (σαπρός) means rotten, putrid, worthless. This agricultural axiom establishes the principle: nature produces according to kind.
Jesus applies this to spiritual fruit—teachers and disciples are known by what they produce (v. 44). External appearance means nothing; fruit reveals reality. False teachers may appear impressive (whitewashed tombs, Matthew 23:27) but produce corrupt doctrine and corrupt disciples. True teachers, rooted in Christ, produce righteousness, love, and truth. The tree metaphor runs throughout Scripture (Psalm 1:3, Jeremiah 17:7-8, John 15:1-8), always emphasizing the inseparable link between root and fruit, being and doing.